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The Proust Q&A: Neil McGuigan
Neil McGuigan rose to fame in 1985 when restaurateur and wine merchant Johnny Walker referred to him as “the most brilliant young winemaker of his time”. He has lived up to these expectations by gaining the title of IWSC Winemaker of the Year in 2009, 2011 and 2012 – the first winemaker in the competition’s 45-year history to win this award three times.
According to Neil McGuigan, his most marked characteristic is the grey streak in his hair
Neil McGuigan brings over 30 years experience in the wine industry to Australian Vintage and McGuigan Wines. Growing up in a family of winemakers in the Hunter Valley naturally led Neil to pursue a career in winemaking and viticulture. After graduating with a degree in oenology in South Australia, he joined brother Brian as a winemaker at Wyndham Estate, where he established his career, eventually moving into the role of group production director.
From there he worked with Brian and his other brother Ross to establish the McGuigan Brothers label before moving on to become a part-owner and winemaker for Briar Ridge Vineyard, building one of the most sought-after vineyards in the Hunter Valley. His next challenge took him to Rothbury Estate in the role of general manager & chief winemaker for four years before he rejoined Brian at McGuigan Simeon Wines (now Australian Vintage) as general manager of production & wine supply in 2004. Neil was appointed CEO of Australian Vintage in 2010.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
The Australian dollar at US$0.50 and £0.32
What is your greatest fear?
Failure.
Which living person do you most admire?
Joe Gallo (in wine) and Angela Merkel (in life)
What is your greatest extravagance?
Buying expensive pens.
What is your current state of mind?
Positive.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Being grounded but with a sense of humour.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Failure takes no preparation” and “Drive it like you have stolen it”.
Who or what is the greatest love of your life?
My wife Debra and our three children Margaux, Matthew and Marnie.
When and where were you happiest?
In the Hunter Valley when I was running a small boutique winery – making the wine and running the business.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Increase my IQ by 50%.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Being a good cricketer.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Winning International Winemaker of the Year three times.
Where would you most like to live?
In the Hunter Valley – Australia.
What is your most treasured possession?
My mother’s St. Christopher medal.
What is your most marked characteristic?
The grey streak in my hair.
Who is your favourite writer?
Jim Sheridan who wrote “Leave the fighting to McGuigan”.
Who is your hero of fiction?
Austin Powers
What is it that you most dislike?
My inability to stop eating chocolate.
What is your greatest regret?
Not immersing myself in the International World of Wine at a young age.
What is your motto?
“Make the wine the hero”.
Who would be your ideal dinner party guests and what three wines would you serve?
I would serve Taittinger Comte de Champagne 2004; 1988 Chateau Margaux and 2007 McGuigan Shortlist Chardonnay to Brian McGuigan, Wolf Blass, Jane Ferrari (Yalumba), Sue Hodder (Wynns), Jim Carey and Mike Myers.